5 Ways to Boost your Backyard by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

THE RIGHT SHADE Sure, an umbrella provides much-needed shade. But the sight of one conjures up images of a vacation at a resort, on a sandy shore or next to a pool. There’s something about its round shape, projected above the other pieces of outdoor furniture, that looks fun and inviting, beckoning you to sit under its colorful form (or patterned or striped) and relax, maybe sip a cocktail or icy beverage. Ways to create shade in a garden include:

• Umbrellas
• Gazebos and pergolas
• Awnings
• Vines growing on overhead roofs or arbors
• Trees

THE RIGHT LANDSCAPING Not just any landscaping, however. Carefully planned and selected plants that look natural in their setting can really set a theme or mood, even transport you to a favorite vacation spot. Who wouldn’t want to step outside every day to a yard that reminded them of that trip to Maui, Tahiti or Sedona? The key is to choose plants that adapt well to the environment in which you live: dying tropicals in your desert locale will not remind you of Aruba. Mix natives for your region with trees, shrubs, vines and perennials that are adapted to the climate—usually something that can be found at your local nursery or botanical garden shop. Enlist professional help from a landscape designer, or ask for suggestions from a garden store employee or the local university’s master gardener program. CREATE PRIVACY Privacy is an integral part of a relaxing outdoor room. Dividing and secluding the area with carefully placed screens, walls or fences of suitable height will give your space a sense of mystery and surprise as you move throughout the landscape. Arbors and overhead roofs also add to that feeling of seclusion and provide the necessary shade. ADD A FIRE ELEMENT A fire pit, chiminea, or fireplace instantly adds warmth to your yard, especially during the cooler months or in the evening. What can be more relaxing than talking with friends or family next to a fire, or cuddling with a partner as you stare at the flames? With so many portable fire pit models available at reasonable prices, it’s easy to create a sitting area around a pit. Just make sure it’s not near any structures, under a roof, or on top of a wooden deck. ADD LIGHTING AND FRAGRANT PLANTS Sure, you can use scented candles outdoors, but why not plant the real thing? The intoxicating scents of flowering shrubs and vines are especially strong in the evening, so choose specimens that you can grow near outdoor seating or dining areas. Outdoor lighting—the right kind and placed to illuminate parts of the yard that experience activity in the evening—will lure you and guests outdoors and keep you there for as long as you desire. Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, info@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.